Bullets reload to break NBL leaders

THE Brisbane Bullets have snapped a three-game losing streak with an impressive 81-76 home win over NBL leaders the New Zealand Breakers.

Led by American import Perrin Buford, who dominated with 18 points and 10 rebounds, the Bullets led at every break at the Brisbane to hand the Breakers their second successive defeat after Perth ended the New Zealanders' nine-game winning run on Friday night.

The victory improved Brisbane's season record to four wins and seven losses, and eased the pain of the 84-83 defeat they suffered in Adelaide on Friday night after leading the 36ers by nine points in the final quarter.

Perhaps still reeling from the disappointment of that loss, the Bullets were misfiring early against the Breakers, who jumped to an 8-3 lead.

Breakers big man Shea Lli is crowded by the Bullets.

But the hosts soon steadied to take control of the contest.

By quarter-time the Bullets led 20-15, and extended their advantage to eight points at the main break despite the Breakers going on a 7-0 run during the second quarter.

The Breakers started the second half well, netting three successive baskets to reduced Brisbane's advantage to just one point.

But again the Bullets regained control to lead 62-52 at the final break.

Travis Trice drains a free-throw.

The Breakers wouldn't say die and threatened a repeat of their remarkable comeback win against Brisbane at the same venue earlier this season.

Buford's 18-point effort for the Bullets was complemented by 17 points from fellow American Travis Trice, while Brisbane's New Zealand international Reuben Te Rangi contributed 11 points and five boards to help sink his former club.